New Funds

In an effort to increase retention and graduation efforts, the Foundation announces the following new funds. These funds are specifically designed for Southwest Tennessee Community College students, faculty and staff.

Disadvantaged/At-Risk Student Scholarships

Scholarships are available for tuition and fees for an academic year. Scholarship is renewable provided criteria are maintained. Scholarship includes a $500 book allowance per semester.

Returning adults or freshmen may apply.

May be currently enrolled in developmental courses

Applicant must agree to work with an advisor and a coach throughout their academic career.

Applicant should qualify as financially disadvantaged, i.e. must demonstrate financial need (maximum family income must not exceed 80 percent of the HUD median family income for the Memphis Metropolitan Area for 2009. Income must not exceed $46,240.00) or classified as at-risk, i.e. first generation, underprepared students (those with low ACT scores), adult learners, males, veterans, etc.

Full or part-time student are eligible to apply for the award.

Cumulative GPA of 2.5 for award and to maintain award in first academic year.

Award may be renewed for a second academic year and third if required by academic coach if recipient maintains a 2.8 GPA and satisfactory progress.

Any degree program

Strong desire to succeed.

Completed essay explaining why they should receive the scholarship

Applicant must have received a high school diploma or a GED to be eligible.

Procedure: Submit application to the Southwest Tennessee Community College Financial Aid Office by March 15.

Innovation Fund

This fund is for internal use only and can only be applied for by Southwest Employees. Based on available funding, 10 $5,000 projects will be funded.

Full-time employees may submit programs/projects/ideas.

Programs/projects/ideas can benefit individual departments but ideally should also bring something to the overall well-being of the College, i.e. improve academic processes and procedures, student services, etc.

Ideas should be able to be implemented within the submitted budget and timeframe.

The projects are not intended to replace budget shortfalls, but to enhance innovative and creative thought processes and ideas. Projects should tie into overall college goals and outcomes.

Projects should include:

Description of the project and relationship to College Goals

A plan to integrate your project with other college-wide initiatives and projects.

How you envision this as a project that could become a permanent part of the college?